What to Expect in the Courtroom

Understanding the court system in England and Wales

The court you attend will depend on the type of case and its seriousness. Magistrates' courts handle around 95% of criminal cases in England and Wales, so most people who go to court will find themselves in one. Every major town and city has a magistrates' court, and they deal with summary offences such as minor motoring matters, as well as some either way offences that can be more serious depending on the circumstances. All criminal cases begin in the magistrates' court, though indictable only offences like murder are automatically transferred to the Crown Court after initial proceedings.

Magistrates' courts are run by either a panel of three volunteer magistrates or a single district judge. There is no jury. Decisions on guilt and sentencing are made by the magistrates or judge alone.

More serious offences, such as robbery, rape, or murder, are tried at the Crown Court. Here, a judge oversees proceedings and a jury of twelve members of the public decides whether the defendant is guilty. If you are facing trial at the Crown Court, the process will be longer and more formal than at a magistrates' court. For either way offences, the magistrates may decide the case is too serious for them to handle and send it to the Crown Court, or you may be given the choice of where to be tried.

If you are under 18, your case will usually be heard in a youth court. Youth courts are a type of magistrates' court but operate differently. The magistrates have received specific training in dealing with young people, and the public is not allowed to observe. Parents or guardians are normally required to attend with anyone under 16. For very serious offences, young defendants may still be tried in the Crown Court.

There are also specialist courts for particular matters. Family courts handle disputes about children, divorce, and domestic abuse protection orders. You may also encounter tribunals, which deal with areas such as employment disputes or appeals against government decisions. These have their own procedures and tend to be less formal than criminal courts.

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Before the day: how to prepare

You will receive a letter telling you when and where to attend court. This might come from the police, the court itself, or the Crown Prosecution Service. Keep this letter safe, as you will need to show it when you arrive.

Make a note of the date, time, and the name and address of the court. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Courts can be busy, security checks take a few minutes, and arriving late may cause problems with your case. If something prevents you from attending, contact the court as soon as possible. Failing to appear without good reason can result in a warrant for your arrest.

Think about what you will wear. There is no strict dress code, but dressing neatly and respectfully is sensible. Avoid anything with offensive slogans or images, and leave the jeans and trainers at home if you can. Smart casual clothing is usually appropriate.

If you are a defendant, make sure you understand the case against you before the hearing. If you are attending as a witness, read through your statement again so the details are fresh in your mind. In either situation, speak with your solicitor or legal advisor beforehand if you have one.

Bring any documents you have been asked to provide, as well as your court letter. If you have a solicitor, confirm with them beforehand whether they will meet you at court or whether you need to contact them on arrival. You may want to bring something to read, as there can be waiting time before your case is called.

If you have a disability, mental health condition, or need an interpreter, contact the court in advance to arrange support. Courts can make adjustments, but they need notice to put these in place.

If you feel anxious about attending, consider visiting the court building before your hearing date. Many courts allow visitors to sit in the public gallery and observe cases, though you may need to check in advance whether public access is available for particular hearings. This can help you get a sense of the layout, the atmosphere, and what happens during proceedings.

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What happens when you arrive

When you reach the court, you will enter through a security checkpoint. This works much like airport security. You will be asked to put bags and personal items through a scanner, and you may need to walk through a metal detector. Knives and sharp objects are not allowed inside.

Once you are through, look for the reception desk or information point. Court buildings can feel confusing when you have not been before, and the staff are used to people asking for directions. Tell them your name and they will let you know which courtroom your case is listed in and where to wait. If you are a witness or a victim, there may be a separate waiting area to keep you apart from the defendant.

Some courts have support staff or volunteers who can help you find your way around. At the Crown Court, the witness service, run by Citizens Advice, offers practical and emotional support to witnesses and victims. You do not need to arrange this in advance, as they are usually available on the day.

Inside the courtroom

When your case is called, you will be directed into the courtroom. Courts vary in layout, but typically there will be a raised bench at the front where the magistrates or judge sit. There will be a dock where the defendant stands, a witness box, and seating for lawyers, court staff, and the public.

You should stand when the magistrates or judge enter and leave the room. Address a single magistrate or district judge as "Sir" or "Madam". In the Crown Court, address the judge as "Your Honour". If unsure, listen to how others address them and follow their lead.

Speak clearly and only when asked. Mobile phones should be switched off. Taking photographs or recording inside a courtroom is a criminal offence.

If you need further details about court procedures, GOV.UK provides guidance on attending court, including information for defendants, witnesses, and victims. Both GOV.UK and Citizens Advice also explain what happens after a court decision, including how to appeal if you disagree with the outcome.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Court Preparation Checklist lets you going to court for the first time can be overwhelming. Tell us your situation and get a personalised checklist covering what to bring, what to wear, what to expect, and how to prepare. Try it now →